New community hub due to host special open day

18 October 2017

AN open day is being planned for a new community hub in Downpatrick.

The Pepper Johns Memorial Centre located at Church Avenue has been developed in memory of two former members of Down Parish Church whose memory lives on in the building as a result of their generosity.

Ms Hope Pepper and Mrs Eileen Johns bequeathed money to the church which it has invested in redeveloping a former derelict property to provide a new cross-community facility which is set for its official opening later in the year.

The £150,000 redevelopment of the derelict building has injected new life into the Church Avenue area, with funding for the centre also provided by Newry, Mourne and Down Council, the Foyle Foundation and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

A team of trustees was appointed to develop the project which included former church rector, the Rev Stuart Burns. Over the past few years, the new centre has emerged, with plans for an open day currently being finalised.

Trustees Alison Carson, Stephanie Strain, Ronnie Rea, Tommy Briggs and David Telford have been working alongside the Rev. Scott McDonald to bring the project to life and are delighted with the completed building.

The new centre features two meeting rooms, an office, modern kitchen and toilet facilities, central heating, an internet connection and telephone point and will be available for hire seven days a week. There is also a so-called ‘hot desk’ facility which will be available for hire.

The new centre can cater for the needs of many organisations, with the new cross-community facility set to play an increasingly important role in the life of the town over many years to come.

“The building is modern and well-lit and has a welcoming feeling” said a spokesperson for the trustees. “It can be used for social, recreational or educational purposes and would be ideal to host coffee mornings and meetings.

“It could also host after-school clubs while the small conference room could be put to a variety of uses. The trustees believe the new cross-community centre offers massive potential and hope once the date of the open day has been confirmed, many people will come along to have a look.”

The transformation of the derelict building has been described as “remarkable” with the trustees pleased it has had a positive impact on the Church Avenue area.

“The church saw an opportunity to purchase the building which is adjacent to its Parochial Hall and the feedback we have had from people who have had an opportunity to view the new centre is greatly encouraging,” said the spokesperson.

“As a result of the generosity of Ms Pepper and Mrs Johns and the financial support of our other funders, Downpatrick now has a new cross-community facility which will be open to all. We see the centre being available for morning, afternoon and evening sessions and it is hard to believe that just a number of years ago this new centre was a derelict building.”

The Trustees have paid tribute to everyone involved with the project, explaining charitable groups will be more than welcome to use the new centre. They also believe it could be made available for solicitors and lawyers to consult with their clients ahead of cases being heard at Downpatrick Court.

The spokesperson added: “We believe the new centre offers endless possibilities and hope to hold our open day in the near future ahead of an official opening before the end of the year.”

Further information about the new centre and booking enquiries can be made by contacting Mr Tommy Briggs (028) 4461 4260 or Mrs Alison Carson on 07791720080 or email alison.donnan62@btinternet.com

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